How to Be Janitorial Worker - Job Description, Skills, and Interview Questions

Dec 15, 2020 / 5 Minutes Read / By Albert

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The demand for janitorial workers is increasing day by day due to the rising awareness about hygiene and cleanliness. This has resulted in a greater number of janitorial workers being employed to maintain cleanliness in commercial and residential properties. Janitorial workers maintain the aesthetic appeal and hygiene of a building, by performing tasks such as sweeping and mopping floors, vacuuming carpets, washing windows, dusting furniture, and cleaning restrooms.

These tasks require skills and knowledge related to cleaning, sanitation, and safety procedures. The presence of janitorial workers ensures that the environment is clean and hygienic and helps to prevent the spread of germs, bacteria, and viruses. The increase in janitorial workers is also beneficial for the economy, as it boosts the job market and creates more employment opportunities.

Steps How to Become

Obtain a High School Diploma or GED. Most janitorial positions require a high school diploma or equivalent. If you do not have one, consider enrolling in a GED program or taking online courses to complete your high school education.
Obtain Training. Janitorial work may not require formal education, but it does require some training. The best way to get this training is to apply for an entry-level position with a janitorial company and learn from the experts.
Develop Skills. Janitorial work requires a variety of skills, such as knowledge of cleaning products and techniques, the ability to operate equipment such as vacuums and floor buffers, and the ability to lift and move heavy objects.
Get Certified. Many employers prefer janitorial workers who have obtained certification from a professional organization, such as the National Association of Professional Cleaners (NAPC). Certification usually requires passing an exam and completing continuing education courses.
Apply for Jobs. Once you have obtained the necessary training and certification, you can start applying for jobs with janitorial companies or government agencies. You can also search job boards and classifieds for freelance positions.
Advance Your Career. With experience and additional certifications, you can advance your career in the janitorial field and take on more responsibility. You may be able to become a supervisor or even open your own janitorial business.

Being a qualified and skilled janitorial worker requires a certain set of knowledge and skills. To be successful in a janitorial position, one must have a strong understanding of cleaning techniques, hygiene protocols, and safety measures. In addition, janitorial workers must be able to use cleaning equipment, such as vacuums, mops, and scrubbing brushes, properly and efficiently.

Furthermore, they must have the ability to identify and properly use cleaning products and supplies. Furthermore, one must be able to follow directions and work independently when necessary. Lastly, janitorial workers must possess good organizational skills to efficiently complete tasks in a timely manner.

All of these qualities are necessary for a janitorial worker to be successful in their job.

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Job Description

Clean and sanitize restrooms and other designated areas.
Sweep, mop and vacuum floors.
Empty trash cans and dispose of waste.
Clean and polish furniture, fixtures and other surfaces.
Dust walls and ceiling vents.
Clean windows, glass partitions and mirrors.
Mix water and detergents or acids in containers to prepare cleaning solutions, according to specifications.
Spot clean carpets, rugs and upholstered furniture.
Clean spills and broken glass.
Replenish restroom supplies such as soap, towels, and toilet paper.

Skills and Competencies to Have

Knowledge of cleaning techniques and products.
Attention to detail.
Ability to lift and move objects weighing up to 50 pounds.
Ability to work independently and with a team.
Ability to follow instructions precisely.
Strong communication skills.
Ability to work in confined spaces.
Knowledge of safety protocols and procedure.
Ability to maintain organized records and logs.
Excellent time management skills.

Being a janitorial worker requires a wide range of skills and abilities, but one of the most important is having a strong attention to detail. This means being able to spot dirt, dust, and other debris, and to focus on cleaning those areas to ensure that the area is as clean as possible. Attention to detail also includes knowing how to use different cleaning products correctly, such as knowing which products should be used for which types of surfaces and how to properly dilute them.

janitorial workers must be able to multitask and prioritize their tasks. This means being able to identify which tasks need to be completed first, and having the organizational skills to keep track of all the tasks they have to do. Strong communication skills are also important for janitorial workers, as they must be able to communicate with customers and other coworkers effectively.

Finally, having physical stamina is a must for janitorial workers, as they may spend hours on their feet cleaning and lifting heavy objects. All of these skills are essential for a janitorial worker, as they help ensure that the job gets done properly and efficiently.

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Frequent Interview Questions

What experience do you have in janitorial services?
What do you think the most important part of a janitors job is?
How would you handle a situation in which a piece of equipment fails to work properly?
What safety precautions have you taken in previous janitorial positions?
How would you go about cleaning a large area, such as a school cafeteria?
What methods do you use to ensure the cleanliness of the space you are responsible for?
Are you familiar with the proper use of cleaning chemicals?
Are you comfortable working independently or as part of a team?
How do you handle customer complaints or issues that arise while on the job?
Are you willing to work varied shifts, including evenings and weekends, if needed?

Common Tools in Industry

Mop. cleaning floors and other surfaces (eg: damp mop to pick up dust and debris)
Vacuum Cleaner. cleaning carpets, upholstery and other surfaces (eg: handheld vacuum to clean stairs)
Broom. sweeping and gathering dust and debris (eg: push broom for hardwood floors)
Cleaning Cloths and Towels. wiping surfaces (eg: microfiber cloths for removing dirt from counters)
Trash Can Liners. lining garbage containers (eg: plastic garbage bags)
Window Squeegee. cleaning windows (eg: window squeegee with a long handle)
Cleaning Solutions. removing dirt and stains (eg: all-purpose cleaner for walls and floors)
Buckets. storing and transporting cleaning solutions (eg: plastic bucket for use with mop)
Dustpan and Brush. gathering dust and debris (eg: dustpan and brush set for sweeping up spills)
Step Ladder. reaching high items (eg: aluminum ladder for cleaning windows)

Professional Organizations to Know

International Sanitary Supply Association (ISSA)
Building Service Contractors Association International (BSCAI)
International Executive Housekeepers Association (IEHA)
International Janitorial Cleaning Services Association (IJCSA)
National Association of Professional Employer Organizations (NAPEO)
Professional Cleaning & Restoration Alliance (PCRA)
National Association of Women in Cleaning Services (NAWIC)
National Organization for the Professional Advancement of Black Chemists and Chemical Engineers (NOBCChE)
American Society for Healthcare Environmental Services (ASHES)
National Institute of Building Sciences (NIBS)

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Common Important Terms

Cleaning Supplies. Products used to clean and maintain a facility.
Sanitation. The process of ensuring a safe and healthy environment.
Waste Management. The process of managing, disposing or recycling waste.
Floor Care. The process of maintaining, cleaning, and protecting floors.
Infection Control. The process of preventing the spread of disease by limiting the spread of germs.
Hazardous Waste. Waste that is considered potentially dangerous to human health or the environment.
Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA). An agency of the U. S. Department of Labor that sets and enforces safety standards in the workplace.
Personal Protective Equipment (PPE). Clothing or other equipment worn by workers to protect them from hazardous conditions or materials.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the primary responsibility of a Janitorial Worker?

The primary responsibility of a Janitorial Worker is to maintain cleanliness and sanitation within a given area, such as an office building, school, or other public space.

What type of cleaning supplies are typically used by a Janitorial Worker?

Common cleaning supplies used by Janitorial Workers include brooms, mops, cleaning solutions, sponges, and rags.

How many hours per week do Janitorial Workers typically work?

Janitorial Workers typically work between 20 and 40 hours per week.

What is the average salary of a Janitorial Worker?

The average salary of a Janitorial Worker is approximately $30,000 per year.

What type of skills do Janitorial Workers need to be successful?

Janitorial Workers need to have strong organizational and communication skills, physical stamina, and an eye for detail in order to be successful.

Web Resources

Janitorial Worker - Part Time | PSU Human Resources hr.psu.edu
UCLA Labor Center | Profile of Janitorial Workers in California www.labor.ucla.edu
Janitorial Services | YSU ysu.edu